A Reaction Paper on "The Fly"

 The movie The Fly has an interesting but quite disturbing theme because considering how broad science is and how complex things can become through scientific researches and experiments, what Seth Brundle did and what happened to him is not far from impossible.

The movie showed one of the reasons why many scientists and researchers conduct experiments mainly on animals first before proceeding to doing experiments on humans. Trials first are done (in the movie, Seth had a baboon test subject) with animals other than humans to avoid accidents just like what happened to the first try of Brundle to teleport a baboon which died in the process. This is where he tested if life forms can be used as test subjects. Seeing how he could’ve avoided the death of a human subject, his experiment still ended killing an animal test subject which shows a moral issue in the picture.

                This showed that experiments before are easily concluded successful already when the first few trials happen according to how scientists see the mechanism or experiment must work. This situation blind them into neglecting to consider worst-case scenarios, which in the movie turned Seth Brundle into a mutant fly hybrid after the random interference of a harmless fly.

The Fly

          In comparison with the films made nowadays, I found The Fly (1958) somewhat both interesting and entertaining. The way the wife reacted when she saw her husband’s head turning into a fly and the desperation of finding one single fly just to save her husband was kind of funny. Coming from a science high school, these types of films somewhat catch my attention because the technology behind these inventions are what we strive for to better the future of our society. Teleportation is something that we only dream of achieving and the I think the film perfectly depicts both the advantages, flaws and repercussions of a device that is not fully explored and tested.

I would definitely consider it a morality play. Experiments are conducted in a way wherein it is morally acceptable to test new inventions and/or drugs on animals and when something wrong happens, society can brush it off just like in the film. But when it comes to human experiments, a single complication bares a big impact and cannot be simply overlooked. Every invention and innovation, both in medical and technological advancements, must first be tested before it can be proven effective. But because of the dangers it poses, it cannot be tested on humans first. A perfectly good example is cloning; animals have been cloned multiple times in the past few years. Most of the clones die at a young age or are born with a deformity. Why not test it on humans? It is simply because we already know what the complications may result from it and it is in society’s mindset that we cannot allow this to happen to another human being.  

The Fly reaction paper

The film, The Fly in the 1950s depicts a scientist who invents a lot of things using technology, setting up incredible machines people have not yet seen nor even think about it, and the mix of comedy in it, for me, make it entertaining.

Andre Delambre has a family and even attends to gatherings even though he’s got a lot more to experiment about. His love for his wife seemed like an inspiration to improve his inventions, thus, I think some scientists can be active in social activities too. On a particular scene in the movie where he and his wife watched their son’s ballet show, however, he automatically stashed out his pen and started solving problems-going scientific even in inappropriate settings. On the other hand, his wife continuously advises him to not over do his experiments.

The film showed about his invention that gone wrong eventually turning himself into a fly, takes its actions that resulted to taking away his life. This suggests that science technology sometimes crosses failures and does not arrive in our desired goals in one shot.

His wife advised him not o experiment with animals anymore but his curiosity pushed him to continue what he was asked not to do. In my view, it is not totally his fault or craving information and continue experimenting in finding answers to his questions.

With this film, it showed that technology has brought convenience in our lives yet flaws and failures come resulting to some unwanted and awful  outcome.

The Fly: Reaction Paper

                The film ‘The Fly’ is a film that is full of mysteries and surprising revelations. The story is very interesting and entertaining. The way the film was organized and presented made a great impact on its entertainment factor while the unpredictable ending and the presence of the idea of teleportation made it more interesting.

                Although the plot is not realistic, the lessons are still applicable. The film exhibited the risks brought by technology. Technology can really make our lives convenient but it can also destroy us if not used properly and wisely. There are times when technology fails due to unexpected factors such as what happened in the film wherein the scientist’s head and left arm exchange with that of the fly, that accidentally entered the teleporting machine, when he tried to test it himself.

                When Mrs. Delambre murdered her husband, Mr. Andre Delambre, the inspector was to decide whether Mrs. Delambre was right or wrong of doing that. Since it is not wrong to kill a “thing” and that her reason was quite practical, Mrs. Delambre was not punished.

                During the 1950s, Science and Technology were viewed as weapons since it is the period of World War. The film, somehow, reflects this view because what happened to Mr. Delambre was actually caused by the misuse of technology. During these times, technology was used to win through destroying enemies which is misuse of technology and could case damages to mankind.  

The Fly

The Fly was interesting because it had the experiment gone wrong plot. The idea that you could transfer matter at the speed of light probably at that time was so futuristic that probably during the time it was shown, people were anticipating this to happen in the future. This would be cool if it happened in my lifetime. It is entertaining for me but probably for the wrong reasons. When it was released, The Fly might have given people nightmares. Since I'm from a different generation, I found it very funny and weird. Watching it felt so silly that I was really often laughing which made it entertaining.

While watching the film, I noticed that the film's commentary toward scientist was that they were prideful. A mistake to them is a disaster they look to avoid. The lead actor in the film after the accident didn't want help from the scientists because he might be shunned or taken as an idiot. I think the reason behind this could be that the film was released during the Cold War so the race between USSR and USA was really intense that scientists were forcing themselves to come up with revolutionary achievements. The conduct of science at the time was to outmatch one another and come out on top. The Fly is a morality play because reminds us that we can only go so far and that playing God can be catastrophic. It's humbling in way that it serves a reminder for us to be careful with what we do.

It reflects the view on Science and Technology during the 1950's by showing how a scientist at the time thinks and what he/she is willing to do for personal gain and glory. Their goal was personal gain not advancement of mankind.

The Fly

I found the science-fiction horror film The Fly (1958) quite interesting. Since I was a child, I was already interested in following the various developments and research in science. I was always excited for news of new technologies. And so for me, watching science-fiction films would always seem like a “realization” of these possible technologies.

The film centers on the concept of Teleportation, which the Encarta English Dictionary defines as “to move instantly from one place to another by futuristic, paranormal, or magical means”. Quite simply, it is a process which is impossible to by today’s level of technology (barring paranormal or magical means, which I suppose would be more impossible). And it would have been more impossible to do during the time the film was made. However, it is interesting to note that the scientists, even at that time still haven’t completely abandoned the thought of being able to perform it. And this film seemed like the representation of this sentiment.

The film however shows as the risks of research. Sometimes, we get so thirsty for knowledge such that we forget where our boundaries lie. We do everything to achieve something “new” and so, not only do we risk destroying ourselves, but that of others.

The film therefore exhibits morality play. In current times, we limit doing science through ethical boundaries. Discussions on the IBM website say that human teleportation can be done by scanning the person in such a way that all information is extracted and sent to a designated location to be used in reconstructing the person. Basically, the human body gets destroyed and so a replica is only created. The concept is amazing, however the ethics of the process of recreating humans become questionable. As always, the most amazing technologies come with the greatest consequences.


Jacob Ron B. Murillo

2009-10762

Reaction Paper: "The Fly" (1958)

Was the film entertaining and interesting? My answer is between Yes and No. First of all, it is an old film. Seriously. It was released on the year my dad was born. (Sorry, Papa.) So its humor, story line and graphics aren't really compatible with what I am used to. It is a mystery-horror film but didn't meet my standards for those categories. Nonetheless, I was still entertained and interested. One of the reasons why was that I was trying to guess the rest of the story line while the movie went on and I got most of it right! But I really don’t know why the woman cried when the nurse killed a fly (take note: A fly) when she was going to kill THE fly anyway. It reminded me so much of an episode from the TV show, Spongebob Squarepants, where he and Squidward morphed together when they used Sandy’s malfunctioning teleporter at the same time, which is an example of generation Y entertainment. It has a very similar plot to the aforementioned film but now is a comedy. Doesn't exactly correctly depicts how much film science and technology has changed through the years but is an example, nonetheless.

It is a morality play. It shows how scientists try to turn things from improbable ideas/ science fiction into reality. Hovercrafts and jet-packs were once science fiction but now they are science fact. The things we can do film-wise in this time were once works of fiction. So was cloning. But to test this on a human has not been done yet because it is considered immoral. For example, the situation is that a scientist tries to clone an animal, say, a goat, and the experiment goes horribly wrong but a clone has been made but is extremely physically deformed. Say it lives but the scientist chooses the option to just let it die. Now if that goat was a human and a physically deformed offspring is produced, that scientist couldn't just let this failed experiment die because he’d then be murdering a human being. Same goes with teleportation. The house cat he first tested disappeared into thin air. Now if that was done unto a human, wouldn't that be also considered murder? That is why the message of this film, I assume, is that some parts of science should not be tampered with.

The Truth

For a horror film, I found The Fly (1958) quite amusing. Simply the concept of a man’s head turning into a fly, with his wife trying to catch every fly in sight to try and save him is ridiculous and funny! As a person interested in the sciences, I know how much energy it takes to teleport even just one particle, what more a human being! Until now, the greatest advancement we’ve had in this field is the teleportation of light particles, and even that is challenging.

After a little research though, my amusement slowly disappeared, seeing that the movie was actually a reflection on the state of science and technology during that time. Coming from World War 2, it was a time where in research and exploration in the sciences focused on warfare, with the invention of the atomic and nuclear bomb, as well as the development of computer circuits, to accompany these studies. Ideas as far as teleportation and invisibility were also studied, with the attempt of making ships and vessels hidden from enemies during war. During the 1950’s, this was not merely an idea, but was rumored to have been secretly done by the US Navy through the “Philadelphia Experiment”.

As of now, there has been no confirmation of what actually happened in this experiment, but evidence and rumors say that a ship with crewmen actually turned invisible and teleported successfully but had effects on the crewmen. Some felt nausea, or even became crazy, while others were embedded and fused to the structures, or even disappeared. Personally, the film is a take on this incident, with the concept of teleportation, and the desire to discover the truth on what happened during those “secret” experiments; and science and technology, in general, and its negative effects when it is abused or taken overboard. The movie, more than just being a horror (or for me, amusing) film, shows how science can be really useful, with unlimited possibilities, when handled in the right manner; but at the same time how it can harm and destroy lives when used for the wrong reasons.

Reaction paper for The Fly

The Fly - Reaction Paper

The Fly  is a science-fiction horror film. The film was about the accident done by a scientist as he tries to use his newly invented teleportation device on living things. The film may be really horrible and disgusting but it was actually entertaining and interesting. The film itself as a science fiction makes it interesting as the audience would really wait for such climax and suspense. I bet that most of its audience really focused on their screens and some even held their breath when a teleportation process takes place. It may look boring and weird but the concept of possibility value of the incidents make the film entertaining.

                Most of us are aware with the ethics particularly in the scientific field. Nothing actually stops anyone from manipulating living things but it’s our society that prohibits such action. Such invention could be possible but such benefits would not redeem its costs as it was shown in the film. Many scientists commit mistakes as they put all their efforts in performing an experiment for one goal while missing their liabilities as they don’t foresee other results with the abstraction of possibilities. Thus, it may be true that people learn from their mistakes but sometimes such mistakes can’t be turned back.  Such things I believe are now written on a scientist’s rule book.

                In the 1950’s, both science and technology are not yet that advanced compared to our current setting.  Scientists in the past used to work just with their apprentice or sometimes alone. Unlike today, we have many scientists regulating as for one team to check on one another’s work. Thus, discoveries are their goals but are always aligned with the human needs unlike in the past that seems increase in knowledge and wisdom is their only goal regardless of costs.

                

The Fly Reaction Paper

The Fly (1958) is both a science fiction film and a horror film. What makes the film interesting and entertaining is the fact that is it both sci-fi and horror at the same time. A film about science alone would be boring especially for teenagers or young audiences while a horror film alone would be thrilling but you will not get any lessons or new knowledge from it. A film about science with a splash of horror in it would be perfect for young, teen and adult audiences.

People, especially scientists, would not be filled if it comes to hunger for knowledge. Knowledge is power, knowledge is wealth. Inventions and new knowledge would bring benefits to us but sometimes I think life would be better if some things are left untouched. Yes, such inventions like a transporter device would be a great innovation for human beings but working on such experiments that alters the nature itself can bring you horrible things or even death itself.

In the 1950s, technology is not yet so advance that is why, like in the movie, some scientists are failing on their inventions. I think scientists back then have the idea and the formula to such technologies and inventions but lack resources so their experiments lead to failure. The thing is, we will never be tired of seeking new knowledge, inventing new technologies. Every day, new knowledge and inventions come to humans’ lives. There will come a time when impossible inventions from 1950 will be invented by someone, somewhere, somehow. Maybe tomorrow, who knows?

The Fly Reaction Paper

The film, The Fly, was quite interesting. It lets us see a new perspective in technology. The film also seemed entertaining because the concept of disintegrating and reintegrating of atoms as the core concept of teleportation is a probable idea. Reintegrating as a half-human half-fly being is hypothetically correct. The film, however, could've been more interesting if the introduction (the part before the flashback) was shorter.

The film may have been relaying a message regarding the safety of scientists. Some experiments could be very dangerous, and without prior precautions, it could lead to disastrous results. Yes, it's true. One should follow certain etiquettes in conducting an experiment and always consider the safety of oneself.

Science and Technology during the 1950s is poor compared to the technology now. The scientist in the movie made use of really big machines to power up the teleportation device that took up a lot of space. Now, supercomputers are portable and are small. Also, the machine used to power up the device took a long time for it to operate. Meanwhile, machines nowadays take only a few seconds.

In conclusion, the movie was good, especially in relaying messages such as regarding the safety of oneself and experimentation precautions.

'The Fly' Reaction Paper

The Fly, is a two-faced film showing disgust and fiction. Most likely, it is not the movie for people aged 25 and below since it is filmed in the 1950’s. But it is entertaining and interesting for me because at some points, the film puzzles my head and makes me go “what the heck?! Is that even possible?”. I may say that the technology and inventions of the past were quite different from the present.

We all know how desperate scientists are for new knowledge consumable by human. In fact, sometimes, they even bet on themselves who will reach the finish line first. And also sometimes, mistakes lead to eventual failure. When this happens, scientists crave for more knowledge, reconstructing everything, redefining everything they have ever did and sometimes, the natural occurrence of these things are destroyed or interfered. One good portrayal of this is what the scientist in The Fly did and how he messed up himself that lead to his death in the end.

The scientists in the 1950’s were thirsty of knowledge so thus pushing them to achieve more and more inventions. But still, the technology in the past was still far behind from what it is right now. Although most of them were so determined and hungry to obtain new inventions, most of them fail due to their lack of extent of resources. The thing is, science and technology in the past was completely innovated throughout the years. The far behind inventions were slowly brought to humanity and reality as years passed by.

The Fly (Reaction Paper)

Written by: Denise Anne Castro, 2013-14434

The Fly

            The Fly is a cross between science fiction and horror. It’s not the most likely blend of genres but director Kurt Neumann was able to bring a peculiar short story into life by bold and inventive attempts at making the plot easier to believe. Considering that it was made in the 1950s, the special effects are definitely laudable. Although odd and at some points, funny, the film still delivers the chills. It was interesting to see what was “high tech” for the people in the past.

            Scientists are always in search of precision. In order for their research or invention to be credited, everything has to be on point. Flaws must be corrected and space for further investigation must be filled. This drives them to the point of “playing God”. Although their innovations are sure to bring benefits to humans, there are certain risks that must be undertaken. Scientists must make sure that quenching their thirst for knowledge will not interfere with the natural order of things or else it might cross the boundary of ethics.

            In the 1950s, certain technologies were not yet available to the scientific world. Scientists’ horizons were beyond their grasp and they were determined to arrive at new inventions. The ambitious mindset of the scientist in the movie best reflects science and technology during the 1950s. Although that period was known as one of the most conservative, it was also the time when technologic breakthroughs came about and the scientists’ far-fetched ideas were concretized.

The Fly Reaction Paper

After watching The Fly, I was disturbed. The scene where the about-to-be-eaten ensnared fly is screaming in its teeny tiny human voice "Help me! Help me!" bothered me a lot. I was not disturbed that I finally understood the reason why the fly's head is white, but because I was terrified at what could have been the possibility of its development of a human intelligence equal to that of Andre's high IQ. Had either Andre or the fly lived, it would have been a morbid disaster. It has been established earlier in the movie that even though Andre can still communicate with his wife, the fly's instincts are taking over his will. I say that the movie entertaining as well as interesting. Terror is evinced not because of explicit scenes or images but through tapping the audience's imagination.

In retrospect, this movie could be a morality play. When his wife expressed her fear about how quickly technology seems to be transforming, Andre remarked:

"There are some things man is not meant to experiment with."(This quote pretty much captures the idea of what the film's view about science is.)

In the 1950s, America has been changing the world with science: the atomic bomb as the most notable example. The tinkering with molecules and doom after a successful science project in the movie is parallel to the scientific development of the time.

Catching Fire Reaction Paper

Catching Fire, or The Hunger Games itself, greatly reflects a big civilization with its leader right on top. I believe it was a film based on science and historical facts, and that it can and may happen in the present world. It depicts a structural civilization where you have the big man on top: President Snow, and his correspondents like the game makers, etc. Social classes are evident, like from the people from the Capitol, to the people in some of the poor districts and even to the servants. It also has the peacemakers, or the guards in the society. Basically, it can be seen in real life.

Despite the advancement in technology as seen in the film, these are, I believe, just a few advancements in present day's technology. The place where they held the games, was like a big greenhouse where one could control the temperature and the amount of sun. Animals were simply evolutions or mutations of what we have now. Take for example the jabber jay. It can be a mutation of the mynah birds, which can mimic the sound we produced. The symbolic mocking jay, is a bird derived from mockingbirds, only to mimic the sound humans make and not other birds.

Science and Technology play a great part in the games. The point of these games is to give hope to each one of the twelve districts. Because of this hope, it molds the society to think. As President Snow would say (during the first film), "too much hope is dangerous." That is what exactly happened with the other districts, causing the uprising of the Rebellion. So, because science and technology failed to take part on some of the districts, like 7, 11 and 12, the society or community in these districts fought back, therefore forming the thirteenth district. This rebellion would probably cause the fall of the great Panem civilization.

This civilization may have happened in the past, present, or the future. We are uncertain of its timeline. For one, civilizations like the Mayans have advanced technology for their time. Likewise, the Panem civilization have some few advancements in technology from ours. However, some lack in technology can also be seen, especially in the poor districts like district 12. So we see that there is a futuristic society in rich districts and in the Capitol, and some past society in the others. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Reaction Paper)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a very interesting movie. It reflects things that have happened in our society. Although the plot is not based on reality, themes and symbolisms behind are realistic and full of point and reason. The film speaks of a hundred things about adaptation, inequality, sacrifice, hope, and a lot more issues of humanity.

The film featured one of the famous principles of the past, the Survival of the Fittest. It was emphasized during the quarter quell, wherein the smartest, the most skillful, and the desperate could win. The district representatives showed one of the mechanisms of humans to adapt to a strange environment. Also, the movie presented the old tradition in Europe that men make game where players have to kill each other in order to win.

On the other hand, the film also presented some current issues of the society. Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, is a woman who is fearless, wise, and sensitive. As the main protagonist, she somehow made it a feminist one, because it shows the fact that, up to now, women still strive not to have equal rights with men, but rather to have equal social standing with men.

Another current issue tackled in the film is about power and wealth that attempt to control the world. For instance is the case of China and Philippines. China, having the more advanced technology, makes it more superior that the Philippines cannot even fight for their rights on some of their territories.

The technology used in the film has made it a critique on our future society. The presence of genetically-modifies organisms (GMOs) and other premium technologies predict the future science and its probable effect on our society. The creation of GMOs is strongly opposed by some citizens nowadays and the film has shown both good and bad sides of it. The bad ones are the creation of poisonous plants and deadly animals that were integrated during the game, which caused the death of some players. On the contrary, the Mockingjay, which was created through genetic engineering, symbolizes the hope of the people.

In the film, the science, technology, and society had failed. For me, through science and technology, the Capitol succeeded in threatening and having control and power over the 13 districts but it never made to win the heart of the people. 

Catching Fire (Hunger Games series) Reaction Paper

The Hunger Games series has intrigued me since the first time I read it. I thought it’d be tamer than the raw, brutal, physically and emotionally scarring story that it is. I’d been pondering these questions since then and now, the time has come for me to try and answer them myself.

Is the film Science Fiction? No.

By definition, science fiction is “a genre of fiction dealing with imaginative content such as futuristic settings, futuristic science and technology” (Wikipedia) like if people were time travelers or have contact with the extraterrestrials or where every human was wearing pajama-like clothing that was said to automatically adjust the temperature offered to the person. That is definitely not what the Hunger Games series is about. It is much better defined as a Dystopia story, which is defined to be “an imaginary place in a work of fiction where the characters lead dehumanized, fearful lives” (leaguewriters.com) which pretty much sums up what the Hunger Games series is. It was set on a time frame much further from the present and the Capitol people have futuristic equipment, so it makes it a wee bit science fiction-y, but, looking at the larger picture, it’s definitely a brutal post-apocalyptic world.

 Is the film a commentary on past, present and future human society? Yes.

Now, before you go haywire that I just said yes to a multiple choice question, give me the chance to defend myself that the question says ‘and’. So, as I have mentioned before, it takes place in the future; it is what human society could turn in to, given the circumstances. It is a commentary on the present, too, because the technology is not very far from what we have today. In fact, most of the districts are less tech-y, as we say it, than what we are today but that scale is balanced out by the futuristic styles and equipment of the Capitol (*spoiler* and of District 13. *cough*) As for the past, who says this situation hasn’t happened before? We’ve had dictatorships, communisms, aristocracies, and countless more types of government that are pretty much the same with what is happening in Panem. Remember the gladiators? Those are probably the ancestors of tributes. Like the fact that each District has its own specialty, communists departmentalize their work force but they tried to equitably distribute the products where as the distribution in Panem is much more like an aristocracy. And haven't we had rebellions before? It’s scary to think about but humans may have already walked down this road.

Do science, technology and society fail or succeed in the world of the 13 Districts? Mostly fail.

Society definitely failed in this world, as I have explained previously. But science and technology are a success-and-fail for me because, in Panem, science and technology definitely has advanced. The only problem was that society prevented it from reaching everyone, where as the purpose of having science and technology was to improve the lives of humans.

Catching Fire Reaction Paper

Catching Fire is the follow up film succeeding The Hunger Games both movies both being based on the books written by Suzanne Collins with one more movie adaptation to come soon. The trilogy depicts a futuristic society from the ruins of the post apocalyptic North America (now called Panem). It is ran by a central authority called the Capitol which rules over 13 districts. Due to a rebellion, the Capitol destroyed the 13th district and as punishment for the other districts formed the Hunger Games where 2 representatives (children aged 12-18) from each district will compete in a battle to the death. The trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, a victor of District 12, and her role in the new rebellion against the Capitol.

Cacthing Fire is science fiction film as of now. All the technology in the film is to futuristic compared to what we have now. If we had that kind of technology now, it is possible for our lives to be alleviated. We can cure amputees and other diseases, transportation would be much better and work would be done much easier and more efficiently. In other words our lives could be better if used properly. It is possible though that in the near future we would be able to attain this kind of technology. But as of right now that is just merely science fiction.

The film in my opinion is a commentary on past, present and future society. Past because the idea of the Hunger Games is similar to the myth of Perseus and the Minotaur where the myth was that children were sent to the maze of the Minotaur to appease the king. There are similarities to that of to the Hunger Games. So it represents ideas of past societies. Present because of the ideas the film advocates like fight for freedom, fight for what is right, change. These are ideas we fight for at present. We all aim to be free and independent and as of now we have achieved that in a way. No country completely rules over another but instead influence one another. Future because of the technology. The film shows what we can achieve as a human race: all the technological wonders. You can even say that the reason why there is a rebellion is because they looked to the past for inspiration. So the past, present and future are all connected in this film. 

Technology and society both failed and succeeded in the film. It failed because 1.) we failed to learn from the past (dictatorship) 2.) the technology was used to abuse and exploit the citizens when it had the potential to do good. If succeeded as well because 1.) it shows that we are still human because we continue to learn and adapt to the situation (the rebellion) and 2.) we don't forget our roots. I guess we can only truly tell if it failed or succeeded in the next film.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

                The Hunger Games trilogy of Suzanne Collins is an adventure-themed series of books for young adults turned into motion picture. More than just fiction, it can be better classified under the science fiction category considering elements of the novels which is related to scientific and technological advancements as hinted in the mode of transportation (sophisticated designs of trains and vehicles) and media equipment (holograms and special machines); as well as some elements of the story which are invented and imaginary no matter how realistic they seem to be.

It has aspects which are composed of blended details of the past, present and future which seem like pristine civilizations being influenced by powerful colonizers with the objective to turn the former into submission. The story also raises strong social and political issues with the upper social class getting hold of the lower classes’ every action and to prevent revolution from the lower classes, fear is grown – a situation similar to the histories of a number of countries in the past. Details of the future can be seen in the set-up of the capital where systems are built with advanced structures compared to the districts. This shows the technological gap.

There are aspects of science, technology and society incorporated in the setting of the 13 districts which made a good blend to the story considering the historical issues which can be seen through a thorough analysis of the story plot. Science and technology is dominant in the capital which makes use of advanced mechanisms and systems, and the development of structures with complex capabilities like the dome where they put the district representatives to battle against each other. Aspects related to society are depicted through the presence of the districts which nearly resemble the social stratification (like the Caste system in India or the feudal system in the Medieval Ages). There is also the resistance of the classes belonging to the lower tier who then start revolution to obtain freedom or independence from the higher tier – similar to the Philippines during the Spanish era.

In general, the movie Catching Fire has aspects that when further studied are very informative to young adults. It shows the blend of the past, present and future with a focus on the social and societal aspects of civilizations and the use of futuristic structures and equipment.

Reaction Paper – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The movie, The Hunger Games:  Catching Fire, is an adventure film based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, Catching Fire. This film is the sequel to The Hunger Games that belong in The Hunger Games Trilogy.

 From the creative mind of Suzanne Collins made this story undeniably a science fiction. The world of the 13 districts differs from our everyday world. The story takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic nation called Panem. Collins was able to write her novel as she was inspired from what she saw as she did channel surfing on television.  Such visions were from a reality show and from news involving the invasion in Iraq. Thus, these visions were noticeable in her novel and the depicted film. On the other hand, she also based her creations from the Greek myth of Theseus as she described Katniss as a futuristic Theseus and such framework was provided with Roman gladiatorial games. The film may have based and used things from the real world but such imaginative mind made it a science fiction. The advancement in science and technology itself is too much if we compare and align it with our today’s knowledge.

The film may have also based on the past especially in wars like in Vietnam and Iraq. More than that, it aligns with the aspects and angles over Ancient Greek times. However, the film’s nature as a science fiction already depicts itself as a commentary on future human society. But then, how could we differentiate future and past without the measurement of time but by just interpreting merely its characteristics? Most inventions and discoveries we have now are rooted from imaginative minds of the philosophers of the past and the scientists of today’s time. The extreme advancement in science and technology that is depicted in the film is most probably the result of Collin’s imagination that she actually based from such observations that are actually from the past. Thus, we could only imagine things in the future based from our past. We use the concept of cause-effect for the creation of future in which Collins used as she drew an idea from combined aspects of several past events.  Poverty is easily witnessed in their world and such situation drives the people too much under the Capitol which is comparable to slavery that people is rooting for their rebellion. The mode of government lead by President Snow could also be compared from the past especially for Greek times. Well, the idea of science and technology still leads their world as commentary on the future.

Science, technology and society may have succeeded in the world of the 13 districts in many aspects especially through science and technology. However, such things have failed in the most important one which is the humanitarian aspect. Science and technology may have been advanced but used in a wrong way. Things are just used for several people taking advantage but not for the entire people in which poverty and rebellion are the best evidences.

Catching Fire (Reaction Paper)

Written by: Denise Anne Castro, 2013-14434

Breakthrough Technology, Fragmented Society

            Catching Fire, the compelling sequel to the Hunger Games franchise is a movie that offers much more than visual spectacle and gripping doses of suspense. Successfully satiating the appetite of loyal fans of the series, it easily climbed up the box-office lists. Digging beneath all that success, one can find a poignant story that explores themes of survival, morality and rebellion.

            The film fits right into the criteria of science fiction. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world, a time in the distant future. The Capitol consists of numerous advanced innovations such as holograms, force fields and hovercrafts. This level of technology is not yet attained in real life. It is also considered a science fiction film because Panem presents an absurd dystopian reality that is far from our own. The important role of science fiction is to awaken poignant questions about reality and existence.

            Although set in the future, the film’s themes go beyond its timeframe. In the past, there have been many instances of social stratification. In the caste system of India, people are bound to a certain level in the hierarchy. Special privileges are reserved for those on top and many rights are violated for those at the bottom. In the world of Panem, those in the Capitol are obviously on top of the hierarchy. The districts are beneath with the poorest ones experiencing the worst of poverty. The totalitarian type of government lead by President Snow is also something that has been experienced by some countries in the past. Nazi Germany lead by Adolf Hitler is the most famous example. He controlled all aspects of the society, even ordering the death of the Jewish race.

To the people residing in the districts, life is a painful routine of work. To the people living in the Capitol, a life of luxury is acquired without even lifting a finger. Similar to the world of Panem, our present world revolves around money. Politicians are driven by greed to steal the nation’s money while those stuck in destitution work day and night just to have meager means to survive. The rich get richer and poor get poorer. The horror of having such an unbalanced society that offers no social mobility is something that we may have to face in the future if we continue with the rise of capitalism.

            In terms of science and technology, the world of the thirteen districts has reached its peak. They have gone to the point where it is possible to manipulate the weather and genetically mutate animals. Unfortunately, the people did not use this advanced technology for the betterment of the whole nation. Only the people in the Capitol were able to make use of this technology while those in the other districts were left behind. This just goes to show that no matter how cutting-edge technology can become, progress can never be attained with a fragmented and unstable society.